Cairns is the Top Winter Destination, Says Wotif

Cairns is the top destinations for Australians looking to escape winter woes, according to a new index.

Online travel site Wotif’s Winter Heat Index, which rank destinations based on affordability, year-on-year interest, and average temperature and rainfall, found Cairns on top, ahead of Vietnam’s Hoi An, Thailand’s Krabi and Sri Lanka’s Colombo.

“Our research tells us that when the temperature drops, one in three Aussies look to escape the chill,” said Amanda Behre, travel expert at Wotif.com. “Cairns is the quintessential Aussie holiday spot, and many flock to the bustling city for both adventure and relaxation.”

Behre said winter is an especially great season to visit Cairns, with expected clear skies and a high of 26 degrees.

The town’s tourism sector is expected to rise with recent plans to build a complex of casino and five- and six-star luxury hotels in real estate Cairns City centre.

Many other domestic spots also made the list, such as Bowen, Monkey Mia and Marcoola at fifth, seventh and ninth rank respectively.